The Philippines’ capital has been paralyzed by fast moving floods that poured into the city from surrounding dams, overflowing after 12 days of monsoon downpours. The deluge has already claimed 11 lives as the rescue operation continues apace.

­The flash flood drowned Manila in one day as the region received half an average August’s precipitation in just 24 hours.

Those who were caught by the floods in their houses had to get to the rooftops – some are still waiting to be rescued. The government has dispatched 130 emergency teams, which are now busy evacuating people. The water level is receding, but there are still people waiting for help in absence of fresh water and food.

All in all, about 1.2 million people in the city of 12 million have been affected. Nearly 800,000 of them fled their dwellings. Among those who stayed are mostly the elderly and others who could not leave their houses quickly.

The weather forecast for Manila predicts improvements on Thursday, as the first sunny day in fortnight is expected.